Remember, the bottom line for these folks is to make money. They likely don't really give a damn about educating the people who give them money.
You may be right but my point is when they hit upon something that is needed and you are a “beneficiary” of this it is truly amazing. You have just made a video. I doubt you are an expert videographer /film maker. This would have been impossible a few years ago.
My example is Canva. I am not a graphic designer and battled with adobe etc to try and make my own cd artwork.
Now I can make really nice cd artwork pieces in about 2 minutes flat for ZERO dollars. I am still not and never will be nor do I aspire to be a graphic designer. You gotta love technology, man.
Sitting at a computer clicking on a screen is not gaining "musical experience" any more than eating carrot cake teaches about gardening and baking.
I always admire your analogies Eddie. But that one's a classic.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Exactly...Sometimes you JUST want to do something yourself and you think "surely it shouldn't be that hard...". This lekker little tool may be just that for the masses of people who just want to record their song idea... (Lekker is South African for nice, pleasant, satisfying)
Canva looks intriguing. I currently use PicMonkey as the background removal is far and away the best I’ve tried. Have you found the removal tool In Canva to be accurate especially around hair?
Thanks,
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Canva looks intriguing. I currently use PicMonkey as the background removal is far and away the best I’ve tried. Have you found the removal tool In Canva to be accurate especially around hair?
Thanks,
Bud
Hi Bud
Background removal on canva is not free… so I haven’t tried it. I just use a free online background removal tool as and when I need it. I think it might be this one I have used in the past. https://www.remove.bg/
Edited to add. You can checkout the song artwork I have been making in about 2 minutes flat for zero dollars here https://www.mintsongs.com/u/JoanneCooper Disclaimer: I am not graphic designer. I just wanted to “do it myself”
My example is Canva. I am not a graphic designer and battled with adobe etc to try and make my own cd artwork.
Now I can make really nice cd artwork pieces in about 2 minutes flat for ZERO dollars. I am still not and never will be nor do I aspire to be a graphic designer. You gotta love technology, man.
Just looked at your CD artwork pieces and they are lovely! Brilliant example of effectively using technology without needing to become an expert!
Just in case you are a new music-maker or a new BIAB customer or prospective customer remember what you read on these forums are just the opinions of certain active forum members! As far as we know, no one here is scoring Billboard hits with their music so take everyone's opinions with a grain of salt!
My main point is, You Do You! Do it your way!
If you wish to learn music then dive in and do it!
Or, if you do not wish to learn music but prefer instead to use a tool like BIAB to create music then do that!
There is no single "right" way to make music (in spite of what you may have read here!)
And to the credit of PGM, BIAB is a tool that can help you regardless of your choice of how to make music!
This is an example of PicMonkey's background removal. I took the first picture of Janice outdoors on a park bench with foliage all around her, removed the background and placed her in this photo I shot of a 19th century church interior. The background removal was one click.
The second photo I shot of her on a paved road and placed it in the swamp photo ... again just a click for background removal.
Gotta love AI when it works for you!
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
It has come to our attention, dear BIAB shoppers, that there are some people on this forum with fake names and false identities and no way to ever find out who they are who are posting obnoxious comments even though they have never ever posted a song in their life, that we can tell, and apparently do not know how to use anything.
We are currently working with the FBI and have found a picture of one BIAB troll, however, who is popping up a lot. We don't know where to find him though.
If anyone knows where this person can be found, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
FWIW I think anyone who plays an instrument and/or is a vocalist is a winner in my book. They can use whatever means they want to make music. They are artists.
But if someone is just using loops, audio clips, samples, etc, is not a musician in my book. They can create music without any knowledge about what they are doing technically but that does not make them a musician IMHO. A sound manipulator yes, a musician no. YMMV
I agree.
This is similar to someone who uses oil paints to make a picture and a collage artist who snips already created things and pastes them together to make art.
They both make art, but aren't in the same league at all.
Some people do both.
To be a musician, you have to be able to play a musical instrument. You have to be able to create your own music, not just paste together music made by others. That makes you a musical collage maker.
To me, the classifications aren't a hierarchy, just a way of defining and differentiating.
That was actually the washboard player in the Quarrymen.
But I think this conversation got way offline and it is the unfortunate result of Internet forum anonymity where people with essentially no identity can hide behind a bush and say whatever they want to say for psychotic thrills, or whatever. And they usually know how to get people's goats. And folks take the bait.
I think what people were ORIGINALLY saying (or trying to say) is that the technology capacity behind something like ToneStone has existed for years. If you listen to the demos on ToneStone's soundcloud channel, you could have made something like that using a gazillion apps years ago.
It is clever MARKETING to say they are democratizing music and saving the world for people who have been locked out, but that's all it is--marketing. Again, with a few samples and the simplest of tools you could have made any of this stuff ten years ago, or further back.
But, back to the original topic: if you want to use ToneStone,or anything else, why not.
If it is fun, do it.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Be careful on these threads. The devil is lurking close by.
As far as I am concerned, these discussions should be among people who have DEMONSTRATED that they have produced one song in their lives and have perhaps posted it.
One is good enough.
But if I see someone who swaggers into these discussions has NEVER shown a piece of music they have produced, I try to stay far, far away.
I am beginning to see that it is a trap.
An artifact of a very imperfect Internet.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Sadly the talentless will always find their way to unregulated, open sign-up forums. This forum should have rules requiring a minimum number of creative posts. That would keep the talentless trolls away.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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